Tesla to Face Partial Phantom Braking Suit

A U.S. federal judge has ruled that Tesla must face parts of a lawsuit related to claims of “phantom braking” in its vehicles. The lawsuit, filed by several Tesla owners, alleges that Tesla’s Autopilot system causes cars to unexpectedly brake, posing risks to drivers. The court’s decision means the automaker will need to address certain accusations while other parts of the lawsuit were dismissed.

Key Highlights

Phantom braking refers to incidents where Tesla’s vehicles suddenly decelerate without any apparent reason, triggered by the vehicle’s automated systems.
Judge Lucy Koh allowed certain claims regarding fraudulent concealment and unjust enrichment to proceed, noting the plaintiffs presented sufficient allegations that Tesla knew of the problem and failed to address it adequately.
The judge dismissed some claims regarding other states’ consumer protection laws, noting lack of direct relevance.
Tesla owners involved in the lawsuit allege that the phantom braking issue remains prevalent and poses safety risks for both the car occupants and other road users.

The lawsuit, originally filed in 2022, is a result of increasing concerns over Tesla’s Autopilot and Full-Self Driving (FSD) technology. According to the plaintiffs, the phantom braking issue occurs unpredictably, leading to dangerous situations, especially at highway speeds. Judge Lucy Koh’s ruling emphasizes that Tesla must now defend itself against claims that it has fraudulently concealed issues related to this braking problem.

The judge did dismiss some of the claims related to consumer protection laws in various states, noting that those claims could not be applied without direct ties to the specific locations. However, claims of unjust enrichment were allowed to proceed, suggesting that Tesla may have unfairly profited from vehicles that exhibited these issues without taking necessary steps to inform or protect consumers.

Tesla has previously denied allegations related to phantom braking, asserting that its driver-assistance technologies are designed with safety in mind. The company has reiterated that drivers must remain attentive and keep their hands on the wheel at all times. In response to various complaints, Tesla has issued multiple software updates aimed at improving the performance of its Autopilot and FSD systems.

Judge Koh’s decision is seen as a significant moment in ongoing litigation against Tesla’s driver-assistance technology. The ruling highlights the ongoing challenges that automakers face as they seek to develop and implement autonomous driving systems. As Tesla and other companies continue to navigate both regulatory and public scrutiny, this case underscores the need for transparent communication about the capabilities and limitations of autonomous vehicle technologies.

The lawsuit represents a broader concern among consumers about the safety of self-driving technology and whether manufacturers are doing enough to ensure public safety. The outcome of this case could have wider implications not only for Tesla but also for the broader automotive industry as it transitions towards increased automation.

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